Burberry
Burberry was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, on the idea that clothing should protect people from the British weather.
Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old former draper's apprentice, opened his first shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in 1856. The company was founded on the principle that clothing should protect people from the British weather, which made it a maker of technically innovative outdoor apparel.
The house.
Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old former draper's apprentice, opened his first shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in 1856.
The company was founded on the principle that clothing should protect people from the British weather, which made it a maker of technically innovative outdoor apparel; our Trench Coat Story follows that line.
What the pieces show.
- 01OuterwearBuilt on weather-protective clothing.
- 02The trenchPart of the trench coat's history.
- 03EnglandFounded in Basingstoke, Hampshire.
Read the piece,
not the name.
With a second-hand Burberry coat, start with the composition label: the share of wool, cashmere or other fibre decides warmth and drape more than the name does. Then check the lining at the armholes, the shoulder seams and the buttonholes, and compare flat measurements with a coat that already fits you, since a label size alone is not enough for vintage. Our Cashmere Story explains what good cloth feels like in the hand.
Burberry in the archive.
About Burberry.
What is Burberry?
Thomas Burberry, a 21-year-old former draper's apprentice, opened his first shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in 1856.
Where is Burberry from?
England (Basingstoke).
When was Burberry founded?
The house was founded in 1856.
How do I check a pre-owned Burberry piece before buying?
With a second-hand Burberry coat, start with the composition label: the share of wool, cashmere or other fibre decides warmth and drape more than the name does. Then check the lining at the armholes, the shoulder seams and the buttonholes, and compare flat measurements with a coat that already fits you, since a label size alone is not enough for vintage.